Half of Wichita’s splash pads are closed just as the season begins. Here’s why
Half of Wichita’s splash pads were closed on Tuesday, the day after the city’s summer pool and splash season began.
Six of the 12 city splash pads were closed because of a mix of vandalism, repairs and mechanical issues, according to the city’s online aquatic page.
The Linwood and Riverside splash pads have been vandalized, with Linwood needing copper to be replaced in the restrooms and pump house.
The Harrison, Lincoln, Old Town and Planeview splash pads are closed for either repairs or mechanical issues, city aquatics said.
A dollar amount on the damage done to Linwood and Riverside splash pads was not immediately available.
It is unclear when the splash pads will reopen. A city spokesperson said staff are working to make repairs on the vandalized splash pads as quickly as they can.
“Our splash pads belong to everyone and the recent vandalism is extremely disappointing,” City of Wichita communications manager Megan Lovely said. “We hope as summer progresses we don’t experience the same level of destruction so that our entire community can enjoy them.
For a full list of the city’s splash pads and swimming pools, and updates on closures, visit Wichita.gov/ParkandRec.